Summary
A study highlights the significant economic impact of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In 2022, the global loss in productivity due to early cancer deaths was $566 billion, affecting men and women differently. The research shows that unpaid work, often overlooked, makes up a substantial part of this loss.
Key Facts
- Over 1.8 million new cancer cases were reported in the United States in 2022.
- More than 600,000 people died of cancer in the U.S. in 2023.
- The global productivity loss due to early cancer deaths was estimated at $566 billion in 2022, about 0.6% of the world's GDP.
- Early cancer deaths in men resulted in $315 billion in societal losses, while those among women resulted in $250 billion.
- Eastern Asia, Northern America, and Western Europe experienced the highest financial losses from cancer deaths.
- Countries in Eastern and Middle Africa faced the heaviest economic burden relative to their national economies.
- Unpaid work, crucial for family and societal functioning, accounted for nearly 46% of the lost societal contributions globally.
- Lung cancer caused the largest loss, followed by breast, liver, and colorectal cancers.
